Brian M. Dobra, 66, of Stafford, NY, passed away on August 21, 2025, at Crossroads House in Batavia, NY.  

     Brian is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Hefner.  His sisters, Barb Gropp and Dorothy "Dottie" Dobra; his brother, Jim Hefner; his uncle, Harry "Shine" Kramer; and his loyal dog, Toby.

     He is survived by his daughter, Rachel (Tyson Tarbet), and his grandchildren, Tinlee, Talen, and Ryker Tarbet, all of Dickinson, ND.  His long-term significant other, Heather Cacner, and her children, Abbey and Steven Cacner, and proud guardian of Jazlyn and Selina Stone, all of Stafford, NY.  His cherished sister-in-law, Dolores Hefner of Brockport, NY.  As well as numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him as "Crazy Uncle Brian."

     Brian was born on September 15, 1958, in Rochester, NY, to Dorothy Hefner.  He was the youngest of 8 siblings.  Brian spent most of his life between Pennsylvania and New York, finally settling in New York long-term.  He spent many years being self-employed in the automotive industry, owning Collision Shops & Car Lots.  Whatever Brian did, it was always done to the extreme.  "Go big or stay home," he always said. He had a strong will, was stubborn, and had a 100 mph way about him.  The side that wore the sleeveless T-shirts, never sat still, and lived life with the fullest of energy.  He loved racing cars, owning fast boats, and riding Harleys.  Then there was the Big Teddy Bear Brian.  The one who always rooted for the underdog, that picked up any stray animal that needed a home, the one that made strangers feel included.  To him, the more the merrier.  He was the calm and the storm all in one, and that's what was loved about him.  The type that had his own "Pre-Death party," due to his terminal diagnosis with cancer.  However, he didn't fold to cancer; he went years with minimal treatments; he battled until he knew that everyone he loved, remaining on the living side, would be okay.  

     Brian expressed that he did not want a funeral, but to be remembered by the memories of him instead of gathering together due to his death.  His wishes were to be cremated. 

     So, for those that knew him, grab a lawn chair, sit under the night sky, pour a Manhattan over ice, and shoot off some fireworks towards Heaven.

     For Brian’s love of animals, contributions in his memory are suggested to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021  www.vol4animals.org/donate    

For additional photos of Brian, please visit:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q9F1JUHHWzdLmN2BA